Page 57 of Rescuing Erin

I took the baby and looked down at his face, and his father, Linc’s, green eyes stared back at me, and I felt a pang of jealously. I wanted this. I always had. Even when I was in college and my friends were talking about grad school, politics, and careers, I’d thought about wanting a family. I didn’t need a huge salary or letters after my name to make me feel important. Motherhood was what I’d always dreamed of. I knew in today’s world it wasn’t the most popular aspiration, but it was what I wanted.

“Which one is this?”

“Asher,” Jas told me. “So. You and Colin, huh? Last time I saw the two of you together he was shaking his head and you were calling him an ass.” The big smile on her face took the sting out of her words.

“Yeah, well, he turned out to be a loveable ass.”

“Glad you’re back. Linc said it was a shit show. Sorry I missed it. I’m still not cleared for duty for another month. Also heard my cousin is quite the badass.”

“Colin’s not too happy. He thinks I should’ve stayed in the corner, out of sight.”

“Ha! That’s what they all think. It’s part of their DNA—me man, you woman. I protect, you look pretty.” Jasmin chuckled. “Fuck that noise. I can kick some ass and still look good doing it. I’m proud of you and I know Colin is, too. You handled yourself well.”

“Thanks.”

“My team is dropping like flies. Now all we have to do is marry off Dec, and the family will be complete.”

“I wouldn’t bet on my brother settling down anytime soon. I think he’s making up for lost time,” Violet said. “Yes, congratulations. I adore Colin.”

“That’s right. Declan is your brother.”

I remembered Colin telling me about Declan and the rest of team while we were sitting on the porch before . . . I shook my head trying to dislodge the memories of that day. I was here to enjoy my day with Livie and the rest of the women, not think about being kidnapped. Thankfully, Violet spoke before the recollection could take over.

“Yeah, my twin.” Something that looked a lot like sadness passed over her face, and I decided not to ask any further questions. “Our parents died when we were young, and we were separated. I didn’t see him for a really long time.”

“That . . .” I didn’t know what word I was trying to find.

“Sucks?” she helpfully supplied. “It sure did. But we found each other. It all worked out.”

“What’s the big secret?” Jasmin asked, changing the subject.

All eyes zeroed in on Ivy. “So . . . Zane and I did something.” She smiled so big I couldn’t help but to smile with her. “We, um, got married.”

“What?” the other three women said in unison.

“When?” Liv asked.

“Yesterday at the courthouse. But we’ll still have a big wedding. In about nine or ten months depending on how soon I can fit into a dress.”

“Holy shit!” Jasmin laughed. “Are you telling us there’s going to be a mini Zane Lewis running around?”

Ivy nodded.

“You’re pregnant?” Violet asked.

“Yeah. Only nine weeks. It’s still early, and I know you’re not supposed to tell people until after twelve weeks, but you’re not people, you’re all family.”

Violet started to giggle and soon the others were laughing at her as she waved a hand in front of her face trying to stop herself. “I . . . I . . . I am, too.” She laughed.

“Wait, what? Did you just say you are, too?” Ivy asked.

“Yes. Ten weeks.”

I stood to the side, rocking Asher in my arms, and watched the three standing women hug each other. I was super happy for them but felt a little out of place.

“Holy shit. I can’t believe you two are going to be pregnant at the same time. This is gonna be so awesome to watch Jaxon and Zane. Now all we need is to get Erin knocked up and it’ll be even better.”

“Yeah. That’s not happening anytime soon.”